The NYTimes has a good article on Dupont's work in Biotechnology, and it was emphasized that a major problem with fossil fuels was it used more Oil to transport Corn or other Vegatable materials to Processing plants, than is saved in use of fossil fuels. The Author's mind began to spin on this tidbit.
I sometimes fancy myself as an Engineer, and grew up on a farm; a place where cobbling together for some function was often necessary. A Concept suddenly gelled in my mind, and now it is time to consider why it might not work. I made the decision, which I will probably regret (I having some problem with Logic), to allow Readers an insight into my Thought processes.
Concept:
1) Ground Vegatable matter would be compacted in form, possibly of even greater volume per cubic yard than Oil. This idea stated with knowledge that Seed crops hold the same Transport Costs whenever they are transferred off the farms--which they must be!
2) Modern Grinders can be very compact in size (could even fit within the space beneath Sleeper compartment beds), and are very efficient in operation (could be run off the Semi-tractor engine with little consumption of fuel, and release little dust). Very little fuel value would be lost with Grinding on site. Pump hoses could be carried beneath the trailer, and attachment of said hoses can be made efficient, easy, and biologically safe. Total Grind time to fill a trailer could be reduced to under Two hours, with a potentially tripling of volume weight with Ground material. Fuel consumption in Grinding and Transport would remain basically the same.
3) Relatively little change in Grain and Vegatation handling would be needed, simply a filler bin which could be connected to the hoses.
4) Actual weight of the Grinder and Hoses would not exceed 600 lb. (estimate). Estimated Cost of the above Grinder and Hoses would not exceed $2000 (estimate).
Now comes the determination of whether this Author is again full of it. lgl
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